Xabi Alonso’s top quality which makes him stand above other Chelsea candidates | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso would have the authority to command a dressing room at Chelsea, a key ingredient for the new manager.

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After taking a major lead with the bookies in the race to become Chelsea’s new manager, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is finding himself reeled in by his fellow Basque, Xabi Alonso.

At first it simply seemed like Alonso wouldn’t want the job, despite likely being the top choice for many fans. But the trickle of briefs and leaks are now making seem like he would consider it. After a mid-season sacking at Real Madrid, his stock is down. Liverpool, his old team and the place everyone imagined he would go, don’t seem keen to make a change this summer.

Could Chelsea actually get their top choice after all?

What makes Alonso the standout for Chelsea job

Simon Johnson of the Athletic points out the obvious positives – unlike Liam Rosenior, and to a far greater extent than Enzo Maresca, Xabi Alonso will command dressing room respect at Chelsea. This is a guy who these players watched on TV play at the highest level.

That respect is a non-negotiable for the new manager, whoever they are, after the Graham Potter and Liam Rosenior farragos.

In other news…

Marc Cucurella is not everyone’s favourite player – but you have to credit some of the qualities he has which we would love more of our players to have.

The Chelsea manager shortlist has been pretty clear for a while now, but talk of a 6th candidate had us curious this morning.

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